Geelong & The Bellarine - there's a lot to love

Geelong & Geelong & The Bellarine The Bellarine

Geelong & The Bellarine

There's a lot to love Greater Geelong, including The Bellarine Peninsula, is the largest regional city in Victoria. It's also one of the most creative, being Australia's only designated UNESCO City of Design.

Often referred to as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, the region has so much more to offer. From its iconic waterfront to gardens and sanctuaries, stunning beaches, and a thriving arts scene, there's something here for everyone.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

I acknowledge the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies on which these photographs were produced, and pay respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.

I acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of the Greater Geelong community today.

In this photo essay I share some of my favourite locations, which provide budget-friendly ways to experience the area's arts, culture, and beautiful natural environs. So, stay a while longer, and you'll soon discover that there's a lot to love about Geelong and The Bellarine.

Johnstone Park, Geelong

Geelong's iconic waterfront

Overlooking glistening Corio Bay, the bay walk stretches from Rippleside Park in the north to Eastern Beach, providing almost 3.5km of uninterrupted walking and cycling paths with a view.

Along the way you'll pass sculptures by local artists, picnic areas, playgrounds, a skate park, and over 100 of Geelong's famous colourful and quirky bollards.

Created by the late Jan Mitchell from remnants of a demolished pier, each bollard depicts characters of importance to Geelong's history including explorers, First Nations families, performing artists, bathers, and lifesavers.

For a fun way to take in expansive views over the bay, take a ride on the Giant Sky Wheel, which usually operates between Spring and Autumn.

Eastern Beach's art deco swimming complex, promenade, and reserve is a fantastic spot for a day by the water. Its much loved by families for its over-water boardwalk, shark-proof sea bath and free children's swimming pool which are protected by lifeguards during summer.

Geelong Botanic Garden

Stop and smell the roses

Established in the 1850s, Geelong Botanic Garden is the fourth oldest garden in Australia.

The gardens encompass a wide variety of themes from traditional rose and camellia gardens, ferneries, exotic plants, natives, and magnificent heritage trees, of which over thirty have been listed on the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Register of Significant Trees.

The gardens are a peaceful space to wander and discover, or just relax on the lush lawns watching clouds float by.

Entry is free and the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens regularly run complimentary guided walks.

Art lovers

Geelong has a thriving arts and culture scene and is home to Australia's oldest regional art gallery.

Geelong Gallery has over 6000 artworks in its permanent collection including sculptures, lithographs, porcelains, European paintings, Colonial works, photography, and contemporary Australian paintings.

The Gallery also hosts a program of temporary exhibitions each year. Entry to the permanent collection is free. Take some time to venture down the laneways off Little Malop Street and discover vibrant street art from talented local artists. Highlights include two tributes to Geelong born rock goddess, the late Chrissy Amphlett of the Divinyls, and a mural of the glamorous Moi-Yo Miller, a Geelong born entertainer and illusionist who toured the globe with magician Dante during the 1930s.

Geelong Gallery

L-R: Weaver HAWKINS, The Bath 1924, Diena GEORGETTI, Ampersand 2020, Louise WEAVER, Dark Spring 2015, Judy WATSON, Standing stone, Kangaroo grass, bush string 2020, Emily Kam KNGWARRAY, Anooralga (or Anwerlarr) - Yam Dreaming 1996

Moi-Yo Miller

Art by Michael Cassar - @schmikeymilk

Minns Lane, Geelong

Art by Ian Lowe - McLarty Place, Geelong

Art by Glen Smith - Dennys Place, Geelong

Connect with nature

Geelong and The Bellarine possess an abundance of open spaces to explore from parks and reserves, walking trails, lakes, waterfalls, sanctuaries, and wetlands. Locals and visitors have an array options for outdoor recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature.

One of my favourite spots is Balyang Sanctuary in Newtown. The tranquil nine-hectare sanctuary has a lake, wetlands, picnic areas, shared trails, bushland and is teeming with bird life.

Balyang Sanctuary is only minutes from the heart of town, but you'll feel like you are worlds away.

Balyang Sanctuary, Geelong

Balyang Sanctuary, Geelong

Balyang Sanctuary, Geelong

Vitamin Sea

Victoria is blessed with spectacular coastlines, and just a short drive from Geelong are The Bellarine Peninsula's stunning beaches. My top three are Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove, and Barwon Heads.

Point Lonsdale has a front bay beach that is safe and protected, making it a great spot for families, and a back surf beach around from the town's iconic pier and lighthouse.

Ocean Grove is a popular destination with a gorgeous surf beach stretching from the mouth of the Barwon River to Point Lonsdale. At the main beach, there's a surf club, restaurant, kiosk, picnic, and barbecue areas.

Across the bridge from Ocean Grove is the charming town of Barwon Heads and Thirteenth Beach, with rugged natural beauty stretching for 4.5km, its a popular spot for experienced surfers.

Slowly breathe in the salt air &...

Point Lonsdale front beach

Ocean Grove main beach

The City of Greater Geelong is continually improving accessibility in the region, a number of the locations featured in this book provide facilities to improve access.

Geelong Waterfront

A fully accessible route is available via footpaths along the waterfront from Western Beach Road, near Cunningham Pier playground, along Eastern Beach Road for Steampacket Gardens, and up to Eastern Beach via Ritchie Boulevard. There are accessible toilets and public seating along the route.

Rubber beach matting has been installed at Eastern Beach, giving a safe pathway from the carpark. During summer a beach wheelchair is available from the lifeguard rooms.

More information is available on council's website: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/accessibility or their Geelong CBD accessibility map: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/maps/cbdaccess.

Geelong Gallery

The gallery is fully accessible with ramps and lifts throughout and staff are very accommodating. Braille and raised lettering are on all signage, guide and registered assistant dogs are most welcome, art works with a QR code next to them offer audio labels, and you can reserve a wheelchair prior to your visit. For more information and contact details, please see the Gallery's website: www.geelonggallery.org.au/access.

Balyang Sanctuary

Parts of the sanctuary are accessible. There is disabled car parking and flat walkways in some sections.

Botanic Gardens

The gardens are partially accessible with some asphalt paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. However, in some sections there are stairs and gravel paths. There is disabled parking at the entrance and a ramp to the main gate.

Ocean Grove

The main beach where the surf club is located provides good access. There is ample parking with disabled car parks and a ramp from the car park down to the beach. Beach wheelchairs can be hired for 1-2 hours through Destination Accessible: www.destinationaccessible.com.au/respite-activities/beachwheelchair.

The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia also hold regular events at the beach, visit www.disabledsurfers.org/vic-ocean-grove for more information.

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